Well, the Nightmare is Over

Was planning on a one sentence statement saying that the mattress was gone, but it was like the nightmare that just didn't want to die.  Took some cajoling and pleading on my part, but I finally elicited enough pity from the garbageman to have the dreaded thing picked up.  Here is how my Saturday morning went.

As you know, I was afraid to put the covers on and put the mattresses to the curb overnight for fear that someone might steal them, and this time, I might not be so lucky and get that $100 ticket.  So, on a sleep late Saturday morn, I set the alarm for six, and hubby and I were going to go out, put the covers on, and put the mattresses out to the curb.  Well, instead, son got up at 5:30 and did it for me.  

Son had to go into work early to prepare for the catering of a huge party, so I took my coffee out to the front porch.  I really wasn't happy about being up so early on a Saturday, but I must say, it was actually quite pleasant out there, and I did enjoy that bit of quietude.  Weekend morns can be quite peaceful and serene, even here in Brooklyn, New York.

Finished my coffee and ran quickly into the house to use the bathroom and rinse my cup.  Life was beginning to stir on the streets, so I didn't want to leave the mattresses alone for too long. Still shake my head when I think about having to babysit my garbage.  Is this where the economy has brought us?

Well, I am only inside a few minutes...enough to tinkle and rinse the cup.  I step outside, for a moment, I stand there overcome with shock. In that short time, the truck had passed, and the mattresses, in their covers, were still sitting there. What the heck!!!!  Fortunately, the truck had not gotten very far, so my adrenaline kicked in, and I raced down the block after them.

'What about my mattresses? ' I ask.  'How come they weren't picked up?'

'You have the wrong cover on them,' the handsome young man replied.  'What you have is a regular mattress cover.  You need a bedbug cover.'

Now mind you, a bedbug cover can run up to $100.  Hubby bought one for our new mattress, and they gave him a break, $50.  They don't come cheap....and here I was complaining about $12.  Now I kick it up a gear.  I want to scream out in frustration, but that never works.  Time for a play on  little sympathy here.  After all, there is rain in the forecast and can't have those mattresses sit out in the rain...and I definitely cannot keep buying covers and REFUSE to spend all that money for a bedbug cover which is only going to be chopped up in the garbage truck.

'But they keep stealing the covers.  This was just put on this morning.  That's why I am out here so early on my day off....I am babysitting the garbage.'  A few tears don't hurt, at this point.  'You just don't know what I have been through trying to get rid of these mattresses. I just don't know what to do. I am getting so stressed out; it's making me sick.'

At this point, he chuckles and takes pity on me.  'Stealing them?'  he asks.  I nod 'yes'.  'I'll take them for you.  You don't have bedbugs, do you?'

'Oh, gosh no.  Please don't wish that on me.  And, I am forever grateful for your kindness.'

He signals for the truck to back up.  I breathe a sigh of relief as I watch as the mattresses disappear into the truck.  Nightmare finally over.

I tell hubby that I sure do hope the new mattress is durable because I don't plan on trying to dispose of another mattress any time soon.  The nightmare was over.  Now, I have to find out how to get rid of my old microwave, but I think I will wait a little on that one.  Oh well, it was my choice to live in the city, wasn't it?

Hope you all have a great day.  I've the last of those boring trainings this afternoon.  There is something to celebrate after all.

Friday Rant

What, a rant on Friday?  I usually try to enter the weekend with something upbeat, but there are times that no matter how you try, you can't be upbeat until you get something off your chest.  I do believe that deep down that most people in this world are good; in fact, I know they are...but once in awhile you run across people or events that make you shake your head in wonder.

Hubby and I bought a new mattress and box spring this week.  Both of us have been waking up each morning with back pain, so the money spent on them was well worth it.  So, the question now is, "What do I do with the old mattress and box spring?"  I do as we have always done.  I put them out on the curb on garbage pick-up day, but, lo and behold, when I get home from work, the garbage is gone, but the mattress and box spring are still there.  What the heck? I say to myself, thinking what I have is a couple of lazy garbage men.

Now, my cold was already coming upon me, and I was feeling pretty darned miserable.  In the house, I laid down on the bed and called the city information number 311 to find out how to get rid of this junk.  You'd best believe I flew out of the bed when the man said to me, 'You have to enclose them in a cover before setting them out.  If you do not do this, you can receive a fine of $100.'   Oh my, what to do....hubby and son are both working, but I haven't got a ticket yet, and yet can be a big word, not to mention happen any time.  I totally don't understand their reasoning.  Yes, New York City is in a bed bug epidemic, but, I'm sorry, these mattresses are tossed into the truck and then sliced up.  The cover means nothing, but who am I to argue with city laws?

So, out I go, sick as could be, in all this darned heat, and drag them both back into my yard.  Rain is in the forecast, and I know it they get wet, they will be impossible to deal with.  So I run to the 99 cent store for plastic mattress covers, only they are not 99 cents, they are $5.99.  Okay, $12 is a lot better than a hundred dollars.  When I arrive home, the storm has started, and son is there.  The two of us went out and put the mattress covers on.  I go inside, climb back into bed, and breathe a sigh of relief.  

Relief didn't last long though.  I went back to work on Thursday, and when I get out of the staff meeting, I see six calls from son.  Six calls make me nervous.  Well, it seems that some low life came into my yard and STOLE the darned covers right off the mattress and box spring...in the middle of the day.  Yes, it's only $12, nothing that will break me, but I want to get rid of these things.  If I buy it new set, what stops someone from robbing that as well?  My next garbage pick-up is Saturday morning.  After that, it will be Tuesday.  What of the rain?  If they get drenched, they will not only be impossible but work with, but also, in the heat and humidity, start to get that moldy smell.  

So, I go in and again call 311.  I need some advice.  I need someone to tell me what to do, or maybe even arrange for a private pick-up...which sanitation has been known to do.  Actually, I was hoping they would tell me I could cover it will with those big lawn and leaf bags and then tape them shut.  Big mistake.  Never plan to get any helpful info when you call the city.  Here is the gist of the conversation:

I begin by telling the guy what happened.

'You have to call 911 and fill out a report.  That's a crime.'

'If I show the sanitation workers a copy of the police report, will sanitation pick up the mattresses as is?'

'No ma'am.  You still have to purchase a cover.'

'But what good is that if someone is going to steal it again?'

'Ma'am, I told you what you have to do.  Someone came onto your property and stole something.  You have to call 911 and report it.  It's a crime no matter how much what was stole is worth.'

'Yes, I know that, but what good is a police report going to do?  They are not going to send extra patrols to watch my mattress covers.  And that is my main concern right now, getting rid of these mattresses.  Surely there is something I can do'

'I told you already.  You have to buy new covers, or they will fine you.'

'How many new covers am I supposed to buy?  By now he is repeating the police report aspect, and I am near tears, and when I come to tears, you know I am very angry.  'Perhaps I should save all my receipts and send them to the city for reimbursement.' That was said in sarcasm.

'Ma'am, we are not going to pay you back.  I will connect you to 911 now.'

I can see by now I am not going to get anywhere. 'Don't bother.  Thanks for all your help.'  I hung up.  There is so much violence and crime in this city.  I cannot see wasting their time on mattress covers.

Talk about frustration. Once the tears stopped, hubby and I came up with a plan, not one I like, but the only way we can get this done.  We will set our alarm for very early on Saturday morning, go out and put the covers on, then babysit the mattress and box spring until the sanitation truck arrives.  I am too afraid of putting them on at night and putting them out for the garbage, because, if someone steals the covers again, they might just leave me that $100 ticket. 

Isn't it a shame, though, when two honest, hard-working people have to give up their sleep to guard something that they are tossing out?  There is something wrong with that logic.  There is something wrong with the system, and there is something wrong with the thieves who stole the covers.  How low can a person go?

Whew, that was a lot to unload on you, dear readers, and I do apologize, but I needed to get the frustration off my chest.  But, I am such an honest person.  Wouldn't steal from a soul.  And to think, someone will violate MY space like that.  It takes all kinds in this world.  Let's face it...if we didn't have evil, how would we know what goodness is?

Now I will leave you with something a little more cheerful.  May you all have a joy filled weekend.

The Sweet June Time

The daisies and the buttercups
Now merrily are growing,
And everywhere for June's sweet sake
Are crimson roses blowing.
The sunbeams o'er the meadows lie,
And zephyrs light are straying;
And, oh! 'tis time that school was done,
And children--out a-playing.

Come, little folks--the fields and lanes
Are lonely now without you!
The birds are all in tune to sing
Their sweetest songs about you.
The old barn doors stand open wide,
The brooks with fish are teeming;
And over hill, and dale, and lake,
Dame Nature's smiles are beaming.

Come, one and all, from far and near,
And sound the summer's praises,
Whilst racing through the clover fields,
And nestling 'mid the daisies.
Make wreaths of roses crimson-red,
Your bright young heads adorning,
For summer-time was made for you,
And June is summer's morning!

"Vacation is the time for fun!"
All girls and boys are saying,
When school and books grow wearisome,
And hearts are ripe for playing.
So, little folks, come, one and all,
And tumble out together,
Amid the sunbeams' golden light,
All in the sweet June weather. 

--Mary Dow Brine--

The Hummingbird

The hummingbird's delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life's sweetest creation.

Hummingbirds are absolutely, fascinating to watch as they flit, float, and fly in backyards all across the country. With their brilliant colors, unique flying abilities, and their signature humming sound, hummingbirds are a backyard favorite. It is also the only bird that can fly backwards and sideways.  It has an unusual hovering pattern and can move its little wings in a figure eight pattern...a symbol of infinity.  Many people enjoy hummingbirds, but know little about these amazing little creatures...and little they are. They are the smallest birds in the world.  The babes are the size of a raisin when born. http://phoebeallens.com/

Lately I have become completely enthralled with a little Allen hummingbird named Phoebe.  This little bird and her delinquent son, Scout, have brought me so much joy since I stumbled upon her on UStream.  She makes her home in a rosebush to which she returns year after year.  Phoebe is now awaiting the hatch of her fifth and final clutch of the year but has had a bit of hard time of it with Scout, the baby from her fourth clutch who has been having a bit of a hard time separating from mama.  He has actually become quite a pest. Below is a video of some of his antics.  (Note: neither Phoebe nor Scout actually hurt each other, and Scout is not hungry.  According to the host, Scout has been eating well in the garden, and I have seen him in the background drinking some nectar from a rose.  He just doesn't want to leave his mama's side...but now it seems he has since he hasn't been around since Sunday.  And yes, the little tyke does know how to break your heart.) 



They say that his behavior is very unusual as once a hummingbird fledges, they usually don't come back to the nest, but little Scout has not only pestered his mom at her new nest, but gone to his old nest and called her to feed him.  Some think it is because he is an only child, his sibling died soon after hatching.  Others say he fledged too soon.  No one seems to know, but Phoebe sure does teach us what patience means.  The above went on for several days until Scout finally moved on his own. 


Hummingbirds have long been part of myths and legends.  A Kraho myth gives the hummingbird a negative relation to water, since it is the only creature capable of flying through flames.  In Mayan tradition Hummingbird is associated with the Black Sun and the Fifth World and is said to know the solution to the riddle of duality. Hopi and Zuni legends tell of hummingbirds convincing the gods to bring rain to help humans. Aztecs believed the god of music and poetry took the form of a hummingbird and went into the underworld to make love to a goddess, who then gave birth to the first flower. The Chayma people of Trinidad believed the hummingbirds to be dead ancestors so there was a taboo against harming them.  According to the Inca, small whirring birds, especially hummingbirds, are sometimes recognized as visiting souls, hovering between the dimensions of life and death.

As a totem, Hummingbird shows us how to re-visit the past for the purpose of releasing it instead of being caught in a permanently backward flight pattern. It so helps us to see that if we step aside we may see our life differently. Hummingbird teaches us to transcend time, to recognize that what has happened in the past and what might happen in the future is not nearly as important as what we are experiencing now. It teaches us to hover in the moment, to appreciate its sweetness.--Constance Barrett Sohodski

Under the Weather

I am a bit under the weather today...head is pounding, throat is sore, body aches, cold chills, unable to sleep last night.  We just got a new mattress, and I know we needed one, but I don't handle changes well.  Tossed and turned part from the hardness of the new mattress and partly because my throat was so sore I could barely swallow.  So, today I plan on pulling up the covers and taking care of me...chicken noodle soup. lots of Vitamin C, and so on.  Hopefully I'll be back on my feet tomorrow.


Take care everyone, and have a great day.

New Moon Eclipse in Gemini on June 1

The new moon, of no importance
lingers behind as the yellow sun glares
and is gone beyond the sea's edge;
earth smokes blue;
the new moon, in cool height above the blushes,
brings a fresh fragrance of heaven to our senses.

--By D.H. Lawrence --
 

 

An Eclipse signifies an intense time of energy that has the power to spark the beginning or end of relationships and situations; its  effect can be felt before and for months after the eclipse. A Solar Eclipse occurs when the Moon is New and a Lunar Eclipse occurs on the Full Moon.   This New Moon  in Gemini brings with it the first of three eclipses that occur one right after another in June and July.  This will be a partial solar eclipse of the sun, one
in which the Moon blocks the part of a Sun’s face. Eclipses tend to bring abrupt change, usually too fast for comfort.

Most ancient cultures felt awe each time the sun rose and feared any unusual appearance or event they witnessed in their sky.  The heavens

were supposed to act in an orderly fashion; hence, anything out of the ordinary, such as a solar or lunar eclipse, instilled terror in our ancient ancestors.  To the ancient peoples, an eclipse was a bad omen who believed that this was a sign of displeasure of the gods.  In many ancient cultures, a solar eclipse was seen as a battle between the Sun and spirits of darkness.

The New Moon is a time of new beginnings, a time to start new projects and endeavors. Mercury is the ruling planet of Gemini; hence, the focus here will be on learning and education, and around communication and relationship. The Sun in Gemini accents fresh directions, and the New Moon marks the time to take chances. This is a great time to pursue academic interests and to take care of communications both verbal and written. This will also be an excellent time to look for a new job or enroll in a new course. 

During this Lunar phase, it is a perfect time to plant mental seeds for what you want to create in the future.  Think about all of the new ideas you would like to put into action and look for ways to bring these ideas to fruition.  Focus on what you would like to manifest during the next month. Make a list today, but be sure to keep in mind that Gemini deals with friends, networking, communication.  The following are some of the things you might want to do during this Gemini New Moon:

Look for a new job

Do some writing

Work on adaptability

Visit the library

Research new ideas

Work on short term projects

Take a class for fun

Write or call old friends

Dig out your favorite book and re-read it.

May 30 Memorial Day

Soldier, rest! Thy warfare o'er,

Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking,

Dream of battled fields no more.

Days of danger, nights of waking. -Sir Walter Scott

For many, the Memorial Day weekend is nothing more than the unofficial start to summer, and the earlier custom of cleaning cemeteries and decorating graves as a way of paying homage to the dead has largely been replaced with picnics and reunion.  Others relate this holiday to an extra day off work to catch up on some rest.  And still others, yet, relate this holiday to play golf and hit the summer sales events.  The sad fact is that while many still do observe Memorial Day as it should be, the show of patriotism decreases year after year.

It began as a day when family, friends, and perhaps even strangers would decorate the graves of the fallen Civil War soldiers with flowers and flags; hence, it was originally called Decoration Day.  Then, after World War I it also recognized all American service men and women who served in wartime and were killed in the military, as well as a time to honor those still fighting today.  And, while  many do take this time to pay their respects, there are those who have forgotten the true meaning of this day and what it commemorates. 

If you are like me, you probably have several ancestors or loved ones who gave their lives for our freedom. Let yourself remember your loved one, both the laughter and the pain and share with others.  Remembering is vital to healing for by remembering, we allow our loved one to live on with us in the world. Express your feelings, and be kind to yourself.   Take comfort in knowing that you are not alone, that people all over the country are united with you on this special day.

A handful of old men walking down the village street
In worn, brushed uniforms, their gray heads high;
A faded flag above them, one drum to lift their feet-
Look again, O heart of mine, and see what passes by!

There's a vast crowd swaying, there's a wild band playing,
The streets are full of marching men, or tramping cavalry.
Alive and young and straight again, they ride to greet a mate again-
The gallant souls, the great souls that live eternally!

A handful of old men walking down the highways?
Nay, we look on heroes that march among their peers,
The great, glad Companions have swung from heaven's byways
And come to join their own again across the dusty years.

There are strong hands meeting, there are staunch hearts greeting-
A crying of remembered names, of deeds that shall not die.
A handful of old men?-Nay, my heart, look well again;
The spirit of America today is marching by!

--Theodosia Pickering Garrison-- 

Friday Musings

Changing the world begins

with the very personal process of changing yourself,

the only place you can begin is where you are,

and the only time you can begin is always now.

-- Gary Zukav--

This starts by spreading the seeds of kindness...a kind word,  a smile, a helping hand to someone in need.... perhaps, they, in return turn, may be inspired to spread their own seeds of kindness.  That is how it begins  By spreading the seeds of kindness, one person can change the world.

Wishing a safe and happy holiday weekend to all of you.